Quantum Dot Synthesis Pack

Precision-engineered quantum dots for cutting-edge applications

Improved reproducibility

Ensures uniform quantum dot properties

Superior quality control

High PL QYs with narrow size distributions

Precise temperature management

Accurate nucleation and growth regulation

Revolutionizing quantum dot synthesis with microfluidics

Quantum dot synthesis is a revolutionary method for creating nanoscale semiconductor particles with tunable optical and electronic properties. These nanoparticles, ranging from 2-20 nm, are essential for bioimaging, quantum computing, display technology, and photovoltaics. However, achieving scalable, high-quality quantum dot synthesis comes with challenges like reproducibility, precursor mixing, and temperature control. 

CdSe quantum dots

This image shows CdSe quantum dots emitting different colors due to size-dependent quantum confinement effects, demonstrating their tunable optical properties.

Credit: Prof. Michael S. Wong, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CdSe_Quantum_Dots.jpg

Maintaining uniform size, shape, and composition is crucial, as even slight variations in temperature, concentration, and nucleation timing can lead to inconsistent optical properties. Therefore, achieving high-quality quantum dots for LED displays, solar cells, and biosensors requires precise control over synthesis conditions.

Additionally, scaling from lab-scale to industrial production while ensuring high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and narrow size distribution remains a hurdle. Moreover, temperature fluctuations during the high-temperature nucleation and growth phases can cause non-uniform crystallization, leading to defects and lower efficiency. Similarly, inefficient precursor mixing may result in particle aggregation and reduced fluorescence efficiency, impacting applications like display technology, bioimaging, and quantum computing.

From an environmental standpoint, traditional quantum dot synthesis often involves toxic heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and selenium, raising concerns about sustainability and regulatory compliance. Nonetheless, researchers are actively developing eco-friendly quantum dots, such as carbon dots and perovskite quantum dots, which offer high fluorescence with lower toxicity.

Our continuous-flow approach offers precise reaction control, improved reproducibility, and reduced material waste, making it an ideal choice for scaling up production.

Setup

Flow sensor (Galileo, MIC)

Microfluidic benchtop pump

Stage top incubator

Custom microfluidic chip (e.g., Herringbone mixer chip – microfluidic ChipShop)

Automated sampling system (Optional)

Reservoirs for precursor solutions

Tubings and fittings

Your adapted microscopy setup for real-time monitoring

Collection vials

Your control software for integrated system management

Quantum dot synthesis setup schematics

Compatibility and applications

  1. Perovskite quantum dot synthesis
    Fine-tune growth conditions for maximal lipid production.

  2. Carbon dot synthesis
    Utilize the system to produce carbon dots, fluorescent nanomaterials with applications in bioimaging and sensing.

  3. Nanoparticle functionalization
    Precisely control surface modifications of quantum dots for targeted applications.

  4. High-throughput screening
    Test engineered strains under highly controlled flow and nutrient regimes.

  5. Biosensor development
    Integrate quantum dot synthesis with biosensor fabrication for immediate testing and optimization.

Flow sensor technical specifications

Flow rate ranges: For example, flow rate ranges with <5% accuracy:

  • 0.5 – 60 µL/min
  • 2 – 150 µL/min
  • 40 – 1200 µL/min
  • 0.5 – 10 mL/min

Note that the range can be customized depending on working fluid properties (viscosity, etc.)

Calibrated liquids: aqueous media (others are possible upon request)

Wetted materialsPEEK, steel, fluorosilicone, perfluoropolyether resin

Internal volume: approx. 40 µL (variable depending on the used configuration range)

Operation pressure: up to 3 bar gauge pressure

Maximum pressure rating: up to 6 bar gauge pressure

Software operability: standalone GUI for data visualization and logging; optional Python API

Microfluidic benchtop pump technical specifications

Pressure control
Pressure stability 0.2 mbar
Air flow rate 0.1 L/min at atmospheric pressure
Possibility to work with higher air flow rates by reducing the pressure range
Flow control
Microfluidic flow sensor Monitoring and feedback loop flow control available
Flow rates From 0.1 µL/min to 5 mL/min
Liquid compatibility Non contact pump
Any aqueous, oil, or biological sample solution
Electrical connection
USB connection USB C
Sensor connection One M8-4 pins connector available per channel

Stage top incubator technical specifications

Characteristics Specifications
Dimensions (mm) 30.5 x 130 x 168 (h x w x l)
Base K- Frame 3.5 x 110 x 160 (h x w x l)
Dimensions of internal usable space 25 X 89 x 130 (h x w x l)
Dimensions of the bottom glass (ITO glass) 1) 72 X 110 with a thickness of 1.1 mm
2) 50 x 25 with a thickness of 0.6mm
3) 50 x 22 with a thickness of 0.12 mm
Temperature range Room temperature to 70 oC
Temperature accuracy ± 0,5 oC
External material Aluminum and ITO glass

Frequently asked questions

Can our platform be customized for different types of quantum dots?

Yes, the platform’s versatility allows for adaptation to various quantum dot materials and synthesis protocols.

Real-time monitoring enables immediate adjustments to synthesis parameters, ensuring optimal quality and consistency.

While our system is optimized for research and small-scale production, it provides critical insights into process parameters that can be transferred to larger continuous-flow reactors.

EIC-Funded-by-European-union

Funding and Support

The development of the microfluidic flow sensor has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program under HORIZON-EIC-2022-TRANSITION-01, grant agreement no. 101113098 (GALILEO).

Products & Associated Accessories

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